2012 was a good year for Planet Ray, with 3 top radio awards for our breakfast team. The latest was GOLD in the BBC Local radio awards, the Gillards. The event took place in Gateshead in October: Sadly the full team couldn't be there, but 'the lads' from BBC Essex went to collect , stopping off at the Angel of the north on the way up to the venue, the Hilton Hotel .... nice view from my window too, before the 'fog on the Tyne' set in!

With the A team, Ray Clark Breakfast Show: Producer Claire, Sports man Ben, On news it's Sonia , as a werewolf. (don't ask, she often dresses like that)

Not bad for one year: EDF Gold, Best regional news and current affairs programme, Silver Sony award: Best breakfast show and Gold Gillard award: Best Breakfast Show

The Gillard gold for breakfast 2012. Frank Gillard, veteran BBC reporter and the man who started local radio. I'm sure he enjoyed the occasional pint too!